Road Warrior: The menace of teen drivers

Teen drivers are three times more likely to be in a fatal accident than older drivers on a per mile driven basis, according to the CDC. They are at higher risk of being distracted by their phones and peers when behind the wheel.

Teen drivers are three times more likely to be in a fatal accident than older drivers on a per mile driven basis, according to the CDC. They are at higher risk of being distracted by their phones and peers when behind the wheel.

Multiple studies have found fewer teenagers are getting their driver’s licenses. Some social warriors see this as proof we’ve created a generation of snowflakes, a cohort too cozy at home to leave mommy and daddy’s safe space. Never mind studies suggesting it may have more to do with teens having less opportunity for work following the Great Recession, or social media providing teens different ways to interact.

But this column isn’t intended to dive down that rabbit hole. Instead, let’s consider: Maybe this is a good thing. Statistically speaking, teens are horrendous drivers. Having fewer teens behind the wheel could create safer conditions for everyone.

Parents of teen drivers may want to grab some antacids or a stiff drink before continuing.

Mechanically speaking, driving is straightforward. Turn the key (or push a button on newer models) to turn the vehicle on. Pick a gear. One pedal makes the car move. Another makes it stop. Steer with the wheel. The apparent simplicity can give people a sense of mastery they haven’t earned.

But safe driving is another matter. How close are you to the vehicle in front of you? What’s a safe speed for that curve? Is the guy next to you staying in his lane? Is that kid on the sidewalk going to cross? Is the road slick? Making those distinctions in real time can be a challenge for experienced drivers, let alone someone new to it.

Inexperience behind the wheel can have deadly consequences. Measured per mile, drivers aged 16 to 19 are three times more likely to be in a fatal wreck than drivers over the age of 20, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even among teens, youth is a risk — 16- and 17-year-old drivers are almost twice as likely to get into fatal accidents as 18- and 19-year-olds. On average, six teens die every day in a car crash, the leading cause of death in that age bracket.

Studies show a number of reasons for the grim numbers. Like young adults in their 20s and early 30s, teenagers are more likely to be distracted by their phones while driving. Teen drivers are involved in 7 percent of fatal accidents, but they’re driving in 9 percent of crashes caused by distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Studies by AAA have found distracted driving is underreported, so the actual results could be even worse.

Every state has graduated driver laws that limit when young drivers can be on the road alone and how many underage passengers may travel with them. Scientific studies back up the practice. A study by AAA found 16- and 17-year-olds were more than 60 percent less likely to be in a fatal accident if they had someone over the age of 35 as a passenger.

The same study found that teens driving with just other teens in the car were far more likely to be in a crash. A teen driver with three passengers under the age of 21 was four times more likely to be in a fatal accident than if he or she was driving alone.

“It is clear that discouraging teen drivers from carrying passengers and/or discouraging teenagers from riding with young inexperienced drivers would benefit the safety of teenagers both as drivers and as passengers,” the AAA study concluded.

Statistics like that may tempt parents to chauffeur their kids until they turn 21, but that’s not a productive lesson. Teens need to get first-hand experience behind the wheel, and studies show getting that supervision with an adult present is the safest solution. Here are some tips the CDC has developed to improve safe driving among teens.

Practice with your teens: Young drivers have the highest risk of crashing within their first year behind the wheel. Supervise them driving in different weather conditions, on a variety of roads and at different times of day. Stress the importance of checking for potential hazards like pedestrians and other motorists.

Limit young passengers: Pennsylvania law doesn’t limit how many immediate family members can travel with young drivers. Still, it may be a good idea to prevent them from driving with younger siblings in the car until they’ve had more experience under their (seat) belts.

Restrict night driving: Pennsylvania enforces an 11 p.m. curfew for junior drivers. Parents may want to set stricter guidelines until they feel their teen is ready.